*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

 

Cardin To Visit Social and Financial Services Collaborative Helping the Working Poor in Frederick

 

All Marylanders Deserve a ‘Fair-Shot’ at Economic Success

 

Friday, July 18 at 10:30AM, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee,will visit the Frederick Prosperity Center to discuss local and Congressional initiatives to ensure that all Americans have a fair shot at economic success. The Prosperity Center is a collaborative of social service organizations, local banks, financial literacy groups and others providing residents of Frederick the access to community tools they need to establish financial stability.

 

“There should be no such thing as the ‘working poor in America. If you work hard and play by the rules, you should not have to worry about putting food on the table or keeping a roof over your head, said Senator Cardin. “The Frederick Prosperity Center does great work to help give people a fair shot at success, but they can’t do it alone. I want to hear how partnerships and support from the federal government can help these people and organizations who are on the front lines help more Marylanders.  We can all do more helping our neighbors to realize the American Dream.”

 

What: Cardin Hosts Fair-Shot Roundtable in Frederick

 

When:           Friday, July 18, 2014 at 10:30AM

 

Where:          Bernard Brown Community Center

629 Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701

 

 

According to the United Way of Frederick County, more than 16,000 residents of Frederick County are considered “working poor” and another 10,000 individuals live at or below poverty level.  “Poverty level” means a family of three is earning $18,000 or less each year (approximately $1,500 per month.)  Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $800 – leaving very little income for food, transportation, clothing, insurance, and healthcare.  One-third of those in poverty are under the age of 18. Approximately 3,000 households are using food stamps in Frederick County.  Seventy-five percent of those using food stamps are working but don’t make enough money to cover all of their expenses.